Battery type AAA — Compatible Cameras

The AAA battery (also called "Micro" in German) is a standardized cylindrical cell measuring 10.5 mm diameter × 44.5 mm length. It is standardized as R03 according to IEC standard 60086 — alkaline variants are called LR03, NiMH batteries HR03, ANSI designates it as 24A. The nominal voltage is 1.5 V (alkaline, zinc-carbon) or 1.2 V (NiMH battery). Unlike rare special batteries like PX625 or PX27, AAA is available in every supermarket, drugstore, and electronics store — there are no supply issues with this type.

AAA became popular mainly in the late 1980s when compact autofocus cameras and the first generation of autofocus SLRs hit the market. Typical models with 4x AAA are the Nikon F-301 (N2000) and F-501 (N2020), Canon T80, Minolta Dynax/Maxxum 5000 and 7000, Contax 167 MT and ST, Konica FT-1, as well as the Yashica 107/108/109 Multi Program. Models typically using 2x AAA include the Olympus Trip AF and AF-10, Minolta X-600, Mamiya U, and the GAF Anscomatic series. Popular reusable half-frame cameras like the Kodak Ektar H35 and H35N as well as the Kodak M35 and Ultra F9 also use AAA. The complete searchable compatibility list with all 56 models can be found at the top of this page.

For AAA-powered analog cameras, there are two sensible options, each with its own pros and cons:

• Alkaline (LR03, 1.5 V): Available everywhere, long shelf life (5–10 years), low unit price. Disadvantage: the voltage continuously drops from about 1.6 V to 0.9 V during discharge — this can cause slight measurement errors in cameras with sensitive exposure electronics (e.g., Contax 167 MT, Minolta Maxxum 7000), depending on the discharge state.
• NiMH battery (HR03, 1.2 V): Rechargeable, maintains voltage very steadily at around 1.2 V over about 80% of the discharge — resulting in significantly more consistent measurements. Modern low self-discharge batteries like Panasonic Eneloop or our EBL AAA 1100 mAh retain their charge for months. Higher initial cost, but quickly amortized with frequent use. The 0.3 V lower voltage is easily handled by all cameras listed here.

For motor-driven cameras (autofocus SLRs, film transport motor) we clearly recommend the NiMH battery: constant voltage under load and no disposable waste. For purely electronic cameras without a motor, alkaline is a convenient emergency option when the battery is just empty.